[William O'Donnell]

Hi guys!

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I finally decided to post because I've started the construction of (what I hope to be) a reasonably accurate early to mid 14th century Western European man-at-arms kit. About a year and a half ago I started dabbling in mail making as well as sewing. Once I started to get some basic techniques down I decided to start a kit project. I've been simultaneously working on a gambeson and hauberk. I figure those two pieces will be the heart of the kit, and I can always decide later about choice of head protection and supplemental bits of plate.

I'm closing in on the point where I need to decide about sleeve attachment on my hauberk. I've seen contemporary hauberks where the sleeve grain (4 in 1) is attached at a right angle to the body of the mail. I've also seen other sources where the grain of the mail body continues down the sleeve. I know its better from a defensive standpoint for the grain to hang together loose and close, rather than open and taut. For the latter reason I was considering attaching the sleeves at 90 degrees to the body. I've also seen what are touted as historically accurate reproductions with a continuous grain of mail from the body to the sleeve.

What do you guys think? I would love to hear some of your opinions on the matter. Thanks!

-Will

[Mart Shearer]

The norm for extant European mail shirts is to continue the roes of the body down the length of the sleeves, while joining the rows beneath the arm pit at a 90 degree angle.